U.S. patent application number 10/621489 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-20 for bookbinding adhesive forming device and method.
Invention is credited to Cobene, Robert Louis II.
Application Number | 20050011610 10/621489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34062997 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050011610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cobene, Robert Louis II |
January 20, 2005 |
Bookbinding adhesive forming device and method
Abstract
An apparatus and method for adhesive binding and assembly of
plural sheets with a backed hot melt adhesive sheet to form a
book-like structure. Exemplary embodiments include a device for
contacting the backed hot melt adhesive sheet to a spine surface of
the assembly of plural sheets, applying force to an area where the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the assembly of plural
sheets, and actively withdrawing heat from the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet below a glass transition temperature
of the hot melt adhesive.
Inventors: |
Cobene, Robert Louis II;
(Santa Clara, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT PACKARD COMPANY
P O BOX 272400, 3404 E. HARMONY ROAD
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION
FORT COLLINS
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
34062997 |
Appl. No.: |
10/621489 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/308.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42C 9/0056
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/308.2 |
International
Class: |
B32B 031/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for adhesive binding an assembly of plural sheets
with a backed hot melt adhesive sheet to form a book-like
structure, the apparatus comprising: means for contacting the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet to a spine surface of the assembly
of plural sheets, the contacting means having a contacting surface
for contacting the spine surface, and the spine surface being
perpendicular to a planar surface of the assembly of plural sheets;
means for applying force to the planar surface in an area where the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the planar surface, the
force applying means being mounted for movement with the contacting
means; and means for actively withdrawing heat from the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive
of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet to below a glass transition
temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for contacting
includes a platen, and the means for applying force includes at
least two clamping bodies, the platen and the at least two clamping
bodies forming a clamping jaw translatable in a first direction
toward the spine surface and the at least two clamping bodies each
having an opposing surface, the opposing surfaces being
translatable in a second direction to move a first of the opposing
surfaces towards or away from a second of the opposing
surfaces.
3. An apparatus for adhesive binding an assembly of plural sheets
with a backed hot melt adhesive sheet to form a book-like
structure, the apparatus comprising: a platen with a contacting
surface oriented parallel to a spine surface of the assembly of
plural sheets, the platen being translatable in a first direction;
at least two clamping bodies, a first clamping body having an
opposing surface oriented parallel to and facing an opposing
surface of a second clamping body; and an active heat sink attached
to and in thermal communication with at least one of the platen and
the at least two clamping bodies.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the active heat sink changes a
temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive
sheet to below a glass transition temperature of the hot melt
adhesive.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the active heat sink includes
a Peltier device, a device with internal circulation of a cooling
medium, or a Joule-Thomson device.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cooling medium is a
liquid, a gas, or an expanding gas.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the platen and the at least
two clamping bodies form a clamping jaw, the clamping jaw
translatable in the first direction toward the spine surface and
the at least two clamping bodies translatable in a second direction
to move a first of the opposing surfaces towards or away from a
second of the opposing surfaces.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first direction is
perpendicular to the second direction.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the platen is at least
coextensive with a major length of the spine surface in a dimension
parallel to the spine surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the clamping
bodies is at least coextensive with a major length of the spine
surface in a dimension parallel to the spine surface.
11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the opposing surfaces of the
clamping bodies are oriented toward a planar surface of a sheet of
the assembly of plural sheets.
12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the opposing surfaces of the
clamping bodies are translatable to an engaged position to apply
force to the sheet of the assembly of plural sheets.
13. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the clamping bodies are
non-rotating.
14. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the clamping bodies are
non-rolling.
15. An apparatus for adhesive binding an assembly of plural sheets
with a backed hot melt adhesive sheet to form a book-like
structure, the apparatus comprising: a platen; a first forming
plate; a second forming plate; and an active heat sink attached to
and in thermal communication with at least one of the platen, the
first forming plate and the second forming plate, wherein the first
forming plate and second forming plate are individually pivotably
moveable about the assembly of plural sheets from a first position
to a second position, and wherein in the first position, each of
the first and second forming plates has a contacting surface
oriented parallel to a spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets and in the second position, the contacting surface of the
first forming plate and the contacting surface of the second
forming plate opposingly face each other and are each parallel to
and facing a planar surface of the assembly of plural sheets.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second forming
plates are each individually pivotable to maintain contact between
the contacting surface and the backed hot melt adhesive sheet as
the first forming plate and second forming plate individually
pivotably move about the assembly of plural sheets from the first
position to the second position.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second
forming plates is at least coextensive with a major length of the
spine surface in a dimension parallel to the spine surface.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the platen is at least
coextensive with a major length of the spine surface in a dimension
parallel to the spine surface.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the active heat sink
includes a Peltier device, a device with internal circulation of a
cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson device.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cooling medium is a
liquid, a gas, or an expanding gas.
21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the active heat sink changes
a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to below a glass transition temperature of the hot
melt adhesive.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the temperature below the
glass transition temperature is sufficient to cure or solidify the
hot melt adhesive.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the platen is translatable
from a non-contacting position to a contacting position, wherein in
the non-contacting position the platen does not contact the backed
hot melt adhesive sheet and in the contacting position the platen
contacts the backed hot melt adhesive sheet.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the platen in the contacting
position applies at least a neutral force to an assembly of plural
sheets.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the force applied to the
assembly of plural sheets is at least a result of 5-10 psi
pressure.
26. A method of binding an assembly of plural sheets to form a
book-like structure, the method comprising: contacting a
translatable first contacting surface to a backed hot melt adhesive
sheet located on a spine surface of the assembly of plural sheets,
the spine surface being perpendicular to a planar surface of the
assembly of plural sheets; applying force with at least a
translatable second contacting surface to the planar surface in an
area where the backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the planar
surface; and actively withdrawing heat from the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet to below a glass transition
temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the second contacting surface
is mounted for movement with the first contacting surface.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein actively withdrawing heat
includes actively withdrawing heat with an active heat sink
attached to and in thermal communication with at least one of the
first contacting surface and the second contacting surface to
solidify or cure the hot melt adhesive.
29. A method of binding an assembly of plural sheets to form a
book-like structure, the method comprising: contacting a backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to a spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets, wherein the backed hot melt adhesive sheet has at least one
end portion protruding past the spine surface and forming an angle
with a plane surface of at least one sheet of the assembly of
plural sheets; displacing a plurality of clamping bodies of a
clamping jaw to a separation distance between opposing facing
surfaces that is greater than a thickness of the assembly of plural
sheets; translating the clamping jaw relative to the spine surface
of the assembly of plural sheets such that at least a portion of
the clamping jaw contacts the at least one protruding end portion
of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet and redirects the at least
one protruding end portion toward the plane surface of the at least
one sheet of the assembly of plural sheets; contacting the assembly
of plural sheets with the opposing facing surface of at least one
of the clamping bodies to apply a force to the assembly of plural
sheets, wherein the at least one protruding end portion is between
at least a portion of the opposing facing surface and the assembly
of plural sheets; and absorbing heat from a hot melt adhesive of
the backed hot melt adhesive sheet into at least a portion of the
clamping jaw.
30. The method of claim 29, comprising softening the hot melt
adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet prior to the sheet
contacting the spine surface of the assembly of plural sheets,
wherein softening includes raising a temperature of the hot melt
adhesive above a glass transition temperature of the hot melt
adhesive.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the
softened hot melt adhesive flows into at least a portion of the
assembly of plural sheets.
32. The method of claim 29, comprising attaching the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to the spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets at discrete points and softening the hot melt adhesive of
the backed hot melt adhesive sheet, wherein softening includes
raising a temperature of the hot melt adhesive above a glass
transition temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein at least a portion of the
softened hot melt adhesive flows into at least a portion of the
assembly of plural sheets.
34. The method of claim 29, wherein a separation distance between
opposing facing surfaces contacting the assembly of plural sheets
sets a thickness of the bound book-like structure.
35. The method of claim 29, wherein the clamping jaw includes a
platen having a contacting surface parallel to the spine surface of
the assembly of plural sheets and the method comprises contacting
the platen to the backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacting the
spine surface simultaneously with contacting the assembly of plural
sheets with the opposing facing surface of at least one of the
clamping bodies to apply a force to the assembly of plural
sheets.
36. A method of binding an assembly of plural sheets to form a
book-like structure, the method comprising: contacting a backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to a spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets, wherein the backed hot melt adhesive sheet has at least one
end portion protruding past the spine surface and forming an angle
with a plane surface of at least one sheet of the assembly of
plural sheets; translating a first forming plate and a second
forming plate relative to the spine surface of the assembly of
plural sheets to a first position, wherein in the first position
each of the first and second forming plates has a contacting
surface oriented parallel to the spine surface of the assembly of
plural sheets and at least a portion of each of the first forming
plate and the second forming plate contacts the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet; individually pivotably moving the first forming
plate and the second forming plate about the assembly of plural
sheets from the first position to a second position such that the
protruding end portion of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet is
redirected toward the plane surface of the at least one sheet of
the assembly of plural sheets and is between at least a portion of
the contacting surfaces and the assembly of plural sheets, wherein
in the second position, the contacting surface of the first forming
plate and the contacting surface of the second forming plate
opposingly face each other and are each parallel to and facing a
planar surface of the assembly of plural sheets; applying a force
to the assembly of plural sheets with the opposing facing
contacting surface of at least one of the first forming plate and
the second forming plate; translating a platen from a
non-contacting position to a contacting position, wherein in the
non-contacting position the platen does not contact the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet and in the contacting position the platen
contacts the backed hot melt adhesive sheet; and absorbing heat
from a hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet into
at least a portion of at least one of the first forming plate and
the second forming plate.
37. The method of claim 36, comprising softening the hot melt
adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet prior to the sheet
contacting the spine surface of the assembly of plural sheets,
wherein softening includes raising a temperature of the hot melt
adhesive above a glass transition temperature of the hot melt
adhesive.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein at least a portion of the
softened hot melt adhesive flows into at least a portion of the
assembly of plural sheets.
39. The method of claim 36, comprising attaching the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to the spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets at discrete points and softening the hot melt adhesive of
the backed hot melt adhesive sheet, wherein softening includes
raising a temperature of the hot melt adhesive above a glass
transition temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein at least a portion of the
softened hot melt adhesive flows into at least a portion of the
assembly of plural sheets
41. The method of claim 36, wherein each of the first forming plate
and the second forming plate includes a Peltier device, a device
with internal circulation of a cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson
device and wherein absorbing heat includes actively removing heat
from the hot melt adhesive with the Peltier device, the device with
internal circulation of a cooling medium, or the Joule-Thomson
device.
42. The method of claim 36, wherein at least a portion of the
contacting surface of the first forming plate and at least a
portion of the contacting surface of the second forming plate each
remain in contact with the backed hot melt adhesive sheet during
the separable pivotable moving of the first forming plate and the
second forming plate about the assembly of plural sheets from the
first position to the second position.
43. The method of claim 36, wherein the platen in the contacting
position applies at least a neutral force to an assembly of plural
sheets.
44. The method of claim 36, wherein the force applied to the
assembly of plural sheets is at least a result of 5-10 psi
pressure.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Bookbinding systems can deliver bound documents, including
books, manuals, publications, annual reports, newsletters, business
plans and brochures. A bookbinding system can be classified as a
commercial (or trade) bookbinding system that is designed for
in-line manufacturing of high quality volume runs or an office (or
in-house) bookbinding system designed for short "on demand" runs.
Commercial bookbinding systems can provide a wide variety of
binding capabilities in terms of sizes of books, but involve large
production runs (e.g., on the order of thousands of books) to
offset the set-up cost of each production run and to support the
investment in automatic in-line production equipment. Office
bookbinding systems, on the other hand, can involve manual
intervention and provide relatively few binding capabilities.
However, office bookbinding systems can be less expensive to set up
and operate than commercial bookbinding systems, even for short
on-demand production runs of only a few books.
[0002] A bookbinding system collects a plurality of sheets (or
pages) into a text body (or book block) that includes a spine and
two hinge areas. The bookbinding system applies an adhesive to the
text body spine to bind the sheets together. A cover may be
attached to the bound text body by an adhesive on the side hinge
areas or the spine of the text body, or both. The cover of a
commercial soft cover book can be attached to the text spine. The
covers of hardcover books and some soft cover "lay flat" books, on
the other hand, are not attached to the text body spines (for
example, the spines are floating).
[0003] The covers can be attached by an adhesive applied to the
spine area of the text body. Application of the adhesive and/or
cover can be supplemented by exerting force against the spine area.
For example, a roller or set of rollers can press against the spine
area and apply pressure to an adhesive, such as a softened hot melt
adhesive or a room temperature adhesive. However, the rollers can
have a failure mode where the adhesive generates a localized
buckle, accumulation or wrinkle as the roller travels over the
adhesive. The localized buckle, accumulation or wrinkle can become
unstable and softened adhesive can flow from the end, contacting
the rollers. Also, softened adhesive can build up and result in an
inconsistent adhesive bond at the spine. Further, the applied
adhesive sets over a period of time. Manipulation of the covered
assembly prior to the set of the adhesive can result in pages being
separated or misaligned and adhesive residue on equipment.
[0004] One known binding technique discloses a cover with an
adhesive strip disposed along a spine area is positioned across a
pair of pressing rollers to form a pocket with the spine area at
the bottom. A text body is inserted into the pocket so that edges
of the text body are in contact with the adhesive strip. The
pressing rollers are moved forcibly toward one another to compress
the cover against the front and back sides of the text body and to
compress the text body together adjacent to the spine area. A sonic
tool transmits sonic energy (for example, vibratory pressure)
through the spine area of the cover to activate the adhesive strip,
thereby binding the text body and the cover into a bound book.
[0005] Other known binding techniques disclose applying adhesive
and/or covers in bookbinding processes. For example, one technique
preheats the sheet bundle and preheats the bind tape. In another
example, movable shift members have heaters for heating a bind
tape. A main heater in a first shift member preheats the bind tape
and applies heating and pressure to urge the bind tape against a
bound edge of a sheet bundle. Side heaters in side shift members
apply heating and pressure to bent side portions of the bind
tape.
[0006] Finally, a known bookbinding system and a method of binding
sheets into a bound text has a tool carrier with separate sides
respectively supporting an adhesive heater, an adhesive former and
an adhesive cooler. Also, a known bookbinding system and method of
dispensing adhesive in a bookbinding system has an adhesive
dispenser that dispenses solid sheet adhesive across the thickness
of a text body spine.
SUMMARY
[0007] An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for adhesive binding
an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot melt adhesive sheet
to form a book-like structure comprises means for contacting the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet to a spine surface of the assembly
of plural sheets, the contacting means having a contacting surface
for contacting the spine surface, and the spine surface being
perpendicular to a planar surface of the assembly of plural sheets,
means for applying force to the planar surface in an area where the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the planar surface, the
force applying means being mounted for movement with the contacting
means, and means for actively withdrawing heat from the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive
of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet to below a glass transition
temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
[0008] An exemplary method of binding an assembly of plural sheets
to form a book-like structure comprises contacting a translatable
first contacting surface to a backed hot melt adhesive sheet
located on a spine surface of the assembly of plural sheets, the
spine surface being perpendicular to a planar surface of the
assembly of plural sheets, applying force with at least a
translatable second contacting surface to the planar surface in an
area where the backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the planar
surface, and actively withdrawing heat from the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet to below a glass transition
temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0009] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments
can be read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which
like numerals designate like elements and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for
adhesive binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for
adhesive binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure.
[0012] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrates the operation of the exemplary
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates the operation of the exemplary
apparatus of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] An exemplary apparatus for adhesive binding an assembly of
plural sheets with a backed hot melt adhesive sheet to form a
book-like structure comprises means for contacting the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to a spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets, the contacting means having a contacting surface for
contacting the spine surface, and the spine surface being
perpendicular to a planar surface of the assembly of plural
sheets.
[0015] The contacting means can be any suitable means for
contacting the spine surface. For example, the contacting means can
be a suitable press, mold, surface, platen, forming plate or
multiple presses, molds, surfaces, platens, forming plates, or any
other suitable means that has a pressure surface that the contacts
the spine surface, e.g., the contacting means has a pressure
surface or multiple surfaces which can contact the entire spine
surface or a majority, e.g., greater than 50%, either contiguous or
non-contiguous, of the spine surface of the book-like structure. In
one exemplary aspect, the entire spine surface of the book-like
structure is encompassed by the contacting means
simultaneously.
[0016] In the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for adhesive
binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure shown in FIG. 1, the
contacting means includes a contacting surface, such as a platen.
For example, the apparatus 100 includes a platen 102. The platen
102 can have a contacting surface 104 oriented parallel to a spine
surface of the assembly of plural sheets. The contacting surface
can be planar or any suitable conformal shape to the surface to be
contacted, including curved, peaked, and other spine surface
shapes. The platen 102 is translatable in a first direction 106.
Translation can be in a manual manner, by mechanical mechanisms or
other types of devices used in mechanical actuation, or a
combination of such methods. During a bookbinding operation, the
platen 102 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is at least
coextensive with a major length of the spine surface in a dimension
parallel to the spine surface.
[0017] An exemplary apparatus includes means for applying force to
the planar surface in an area where the backed hot melt adhesive
sheet contacts the planar surface, the force applying means being
mounted for movement with the contacting means. The force applying
means can be any suitable means that contacts and applies a force
to the planer surface of the book-like structure. For example, the
force applying means can be a press, vice, or other suitable force
applying means. In an exemplary embodiment, the force applying
means applies a force in the area of the planer surface where the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the planer surface.
[0018] In the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for adhesive
binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure shown in FIG. 1, the
force applying means includes at least two clamping bodies. A first
clamping body 108 has an opposing surface 110 oriented parallel to
and facing an opposing surface 112 of a second clamping body 114.
At least one of the clamping bodies 108, 114 is at least
coextensive with a major length of the spine surface in a dimension
parallel to the spine surface.
[0019] In a bookbinding operation, the opposing surfaces 110, 112
of the clamping bodies 108, 114 are oriented toward a planar
surface of a sheet of the assembly of plural sheets. The opposing
surfaces 110, 112 of the clamping bodies 108, 114 are translatable
to an engaged position to apply force to the sheet of the assembly
of plural sheets. Translation can be in a manual manner, by
mechanical mechanisms or other types of devices used in mechanical
actuation, or a combination of such methods. For example, the
opposing surfaces 110, 112 of the clamping bodies 108, 114 can be
translatable normal to a planar surface of a sheet of the assembly
of plural sheets by translational motion in a second direction.
Translation can be in a manual manner, by mechanical mechanisms or
other types of devices used in mechanical actuation, or a
combination of such methods. The translational motion can result in
an opposing surface applying a force, e.g., at least a neutral
force and preferably at least a force resulting from 5-10 psi
pressure, to the sheet of the assembly of plural sheets. At least a
portion of the backed hot melt adhesive can be positioned between
the contacting surface and the sheet. Further, the clamping bodies
108, 114 are non-rotating and/or are non-rolling, e.g, each
clamping body does not change an orientation about an axis through
a portion of the clamping body.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the force applying means is
mounted for movement with the contacting means. The force applying
means operates to apply a force to the planer surface in the area
where the backed hot melt adhesive sheet contacts the planer
surface either sequentially or simultaneously with the movement of
the contacting means.
[0021] For example and as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.
1, the platen 102 and the at least two clamping bodies 108, 114 can
form a clamping jaw 116. The clamping jaw 116 is translatable in
the first direction 106 toward the spine surface. Translation can
be in a manual manner, by mechanical mechanisms or other types of
devices used in mechanical actuation, or a combination of such
methods. The at least two clamping bodies 108, 114 are translatable
in a second direction 118 to move a first of the opposing surfaces
110, 112 towards or away from a second of the opposing surfaces
110, 112. Translation can be in a manual manner, by mechanical
mechanisms or other types of devices used in mechanical actuation,
or a combination of such methods. In the exemplary embodiment, the
first direction 106 is perpendicular to the second direction 118.
Further, the movement in the first direction 106 and in the second
direction 118 can be either sequential or simultaneous.
[0022] An exemplary apparatus includes means for actively
withdrawing heat from the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet below a glass transition temperature
of the hot melt adhesive. Any suitable means that causes a
temperature differential between the means for actively withdrawing
heat and the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive
sheet can be used. For example, means for actively withdrawing heat
can be a Peltier device, such as a solid state heat pumps that
operate on the Peltier effect. A device with internal circulation
of a cooling medium, such as a liquid, a gas, or an expanding gas
can be used. Further, actively withdrawing heat can be by any
suitable method, including convective, radiative and forced
cooling. Additional suitable means include a Joule-Thomson device.
For example, a device in which a temperature drop accompanies the
throttling process of an expanding compressed gas or the
Joule-Thomson effect can be used.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for adhesive
binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure shown in FIG. 1, the
means for actively withdrawing heat includes at least one active
heat sink 120 in thermal communication with at least one of the
platen 102 and the at least to clamping bodies 108, 114 to withdraw
heat from the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive
sheet. During a bookbinding operation, the active heat sink 120
changes a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet below a glass transition temperature of the hot melt
adhesive. For example, the hot melt adhesive can be at a
temperature above a glass transition temperature, preferably above
a melting temperature or other temperature to flow the hot melt
adhesive. For example, a temperature at or above 350.degree. F. can
be used for a polyester thermal bond film, such as Thermo-Bond.RTM.
film 615 produced by 3M Corporation, when applied to the spine
surface. The active heat sink 120 then lowers the temperature by
active cooling to a temperature below the glass transition
temperature. The temperature below the glass transition temperature
to which the hot melt adhesive is cooled is sufficient to cure or
solidify the hot melt adhesive. For example, a temperature below
100-120.degree. F. can be used for a polyester thermal bond film,
such as Thermo-Bond.RTM. film 615 produced by 3M Corporation. In an
exemplary embodiment, the active heat sink 120 includes a Peltier
device, a device with internal circulation of a cooling medium, or
a Joule-Thomson device. The cooling medium can be any suitable
cooling medium such as a liquid, a gas, or an expanding gas.
[0024] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 of an apparatus
for adhesive binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot
melt adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure, the contacting
means includes a platen. For example, the apparatus 200 includes a
platen 202. The platen 202 can have a contacting surface 204
oriented parallel to a spine surface of the assembly of plural
sheets. The platen 202 is translatable in a first direction 206.
Translation can be in a manual manner, by mechanical mechanisms or
other types of devices used in mechanical actuation, or a
combination of such methods. During a bookbinding operation, the
platen 202 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is at least
coextensive with a major length of the spine surface in a dimension
parallel to the spine surface.
[0025] FIG. 2 also schematically illustrates an exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus including another example of a means for
applying force. Means for applying force 208 includes a pivotable
first forming plate 210 and a pivotable second forming plate 212.
The first forming plate 210 and the second forming plate 212 are
each operably configured with a pivot mechanism 214, 216 to
individually pivotably move about the assembly of plural sheets
from a first position (indicated by I in FIG. 2) to a second
position (indicated by II in FIG. 2).
[0026] In the first position (I), each of the first and second
forming plates 210, 212 has a contacting surface 218, 220 oriented
parallel to a spine surface of the assembly of plural sheets. In
addition, the first forming plate and the second forming plate 210,
212 in the first position (I) can contact the backed hot melt
adhesive. For example, the first and second forming plates 210, 212
can contact a protruding end portion of the backed hot melt
adhesive. In the second position (II), the contacting surface 218
of the first forming plate 210 and the contacting surface 220 of
the second forming plate 212 opposingly face each other and are
each parallel to and facing a planar surface of the assembly of
plural sheets in the area where the backed hot melt adhesive sheet
contacts the planar surface.
[0027] The first and second forming plates 210, 212 are each
individually pivotable to maintain contact between the contacting
surface 218, 220 and the assembly of plural sheets as the first
forming plate 210 and second forming plate 212 individually
pivotably move about the assembly of plural sheets from the first
position (I) to the second position (II). Further, each of the
first and second forming plates 210, 212 is at least coextensive
with a major length of the spine surface in a dimension parallel to
the spine surface.
[0028] In the exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for adhesive
binding an assembly of plural sheets with a backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to form a book-like structure shown in FIG. 2, the
means for actively withdrawing heat includes at least one active
heat sink 222. The active heat sink can be in thermal communication
with any suitable portion of the apparatus by which heat can be
withdrawn from the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet. For example and as shown in FIG. 2, the active heat
sink 222 is in thermal communication with at least the platen 202
to withdraw heat from the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet. In another example, at least one of the first and
second forming plates 210, 214 can include the means for actively
withdrawing heat. In this example, the active heat sink 222 is in
thermal communication with at least one of the first forming plate
210 and the second forming plate 212 to withdraw heat from the hot
melt adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet.
[0029] During a bookbinding operation, the active heat sink 222
changes a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet below a glass transition temperature of the hot melt
adhesive. For example, the hot melt adhesive can be at a glass
transition temperature, preferably above a melting temperature or
other temperature to flow the hot melt adhesive. For example, a
temperature at or above 350.degree. F. can be used for a polyester
thermal bond film, such as Thermo-Bond.RTM. film 615 produced by 3M
Corporation, when applied to the spine surface. The active heat
sink 222 then lowers the temperature by active cooling to a
temperature below the glass transition temperature. The temperature
below the glass transition temperature to which the hot melt
adhesive is cooled is sufficient to cure or solidify the hot melt
adhesive, For example, a temperature below 100-120.degree. F. can
be used for a polyester thermal bond film, such as Thermo-Bond.RTM.
film 615 produced by 3M Corporation. In an exemplary embodiment,
the active heat sink 222 includes a Peltier device, a device with
internal circulation of a cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson
device. The cooling medium can be any suitable cooling medium such
as a liquid, a gas, or an expanding gas.
[0030] An exemplary method of binding an assembly of plural sheets
to form a book-like structure comprises contacting a translatable
first contacting surface to a backed hot melt adhesive sheet
located on a spine surface of the assembly of plural sheets. The
spine surface is perpendicular to a planar surface of the assembly
of plural sheets. The method also comprises applying force with at
least a translatable second contacting surface to the planar
surface in an area where the backed hot melt adhesive sheet
contacts the planar surface. For example, a neutral force or a
force resulting from 5-10 psi pressure can be used. The method
comprises actively withdrawing heat from the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet to bring a temperature of a hot melt adhesive of the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet to below a glass transition
temperature of the hot melt adhesive.
[0031] The second contacting surface is mounted for movement with
the first contacting surface. For example and as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the second contacting surface, such as the at least two
clamping bodies of FIG. 1 or the pivotable first forming plate and
pivotable second forming plate of FIG. 2, can be mounted for
movement (for example, translation, rotation, pivot, and so forth),
with a first contacting surface, such as the platen of FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0032] Actively withdrawing heat includes actively withdrawing heat
with an active heat sink attached to and in thermal communication
with at least one of the first contacting surface and the second
contacting surface to solidify or cure the hot melt adhesive. For
example, the active heat sink can be attached to at least one of
the platen and the at least two clamping bodies of FIG. 1 or the
platen and the pivotable first forming plate and pivotable second
forming plate of FIG. 2. The active heat sink is in thermal
communication with the respective contacting surfaces.
[0033] The active heat sink changes a temperature of a hot melt
adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet below a glass
transition temperature of the hot melt adhesive. For example, the
hot melt adhesive can be at a glass transition temperature,
preferably above a melting temperature or other temperature to flow
the hot melt adhesive. For example, a temperature at or above
350.degree. F. can be used for a polyester thermal bond film, such
as Thermo-Bond.RTM. film 615 produced by 3M Corporation, when
applied to the spine surface. The active heat sink then lowers the
temperature by active cooling to a temperature below the glass
transition temperature. The temperature below the glass transition
temperature to which the hot melt adhesive is cooled is sufficient
to cure or solidify the hot melt adhesive. For example, a
temperature below 100-120.degree. F. can be used for a polyester
thermal bond film, such as Thermo-Bond.RTM. film 615 produced by 3M
Corporation. In an exemplary embodiment, the active heat sink
includes a Peltier device, a device with internal circulation of a
cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson device. The cooling medium can
be any suitable cooling medium such as a liquid, a gas, or an
expanding gas.
[0034] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate, with respect to the exemplary
apparatus depicted and described in FIG. 1, an exemplary method of
binding an assembly of plural sheets to form a book-like structure.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the exemplary method 300 comprises contacting
a backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302 to a spine surface 304 of the
assembly of plural sheets 306. The backed hot melt adhesive sheet
302 has at least one end portion 308 protruding past the spine
surface 304 and forming an angle .alpha. with a plane surface 310
of at least one sheet 312 of the assembly of plural sheets 306.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3B, the exemplary method 300 includes
displacing (for example, translating in a first axis 314) a
plurality of clamped bodies 316, 318 of a clamping jaw 320 to a
separation distance (d) between opposing facing surfaces 322, 324
that is greater than a thickness (t) of the assembly of plural
sheets 306.
[0036] The exemplary method 300 also includes, as shown in FIG. 3C,
displacing (for example, translating in a second axis 326) the
clamping jaw 320 relative to the spine surface 304 of the assembly
of plural sheets 306 such that at least a portion of the clamping
jaw 320 contacts the at least one protruding end portion 308 of the
backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302 and redirects the at least one
protruding end portion 308 toward the plane surface 310 of the at
least one sheet 312 of the assembly of plural sheets 306. For
example, a leading edge 328, 330 is adapted to contact a protruding
end portion 308 and to redirect the protruding end portion 308
toward the plane surface 310. The leading edge 328, 330 of the
clamping jaw 320 can be rounded, chamfered, equipped with guide
elements or otherwise suitably configured to contact and slide
along the surface 332 of the protruding end portion 308. In the
exemplary method, translation can be in a manual manner, by
mechanical mechanisms or other types of devices used in mechanical
actuation, or a combination of such methods.
[0037] FIG. 3D shows the exemplary method 300 including contacting
the assembly of plural sheets 306 with the opposing facing surface
322, 324 of at least one of the clamping bodies 316, 318 to apply a
force to the assembly of plural sheets 306. Contacting can occur by
any suitable manner, including translating the clamping bodies
316,318 in the first axis 314 to apply a force to the assembly of
plural sheets 306. For example, a neutral force or a force
resulting from 5-10 psi pressure can be used. The at least one
protruding end portion 308 is between at least a portion of the
opposing facing surface 322, 324 and the assembly of plural sheets
306.
[0038] The exemplary method 300 includes absorbing heat from a hot
melt adhesive into at least a portion of the clamping jaw 320.
Absorbing heat includes actively removing heat from the hot melt
adhesive with a heat sink 334, such as a Peltier device, a device
with internal circulation of a cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson
device. The cooling medium can include a liquid, a gas, or an
expanding gas. Absorbing heat solidifies or cures the hot melt
adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302.
[0039] In an exemplary method, contacting the backed hot melt
adhesive 302 to a spine surface 304 can be by any suitable
technique. For example, the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet 302 can be softened prior to the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet 302 contacting the spine surface 304 of the
assembly of plural sheets 306. In another example, the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet is attached to the spine surface at discrete
points, e.g., tacked, glued, adhesively or mechanically attached,
and then softened. Softening includes raising a temperature of the
hot melt adhesive above a glass transition temperature, preferably
above a melting temperature or other temperature to flow the hot
melt adhesive, e.g., at or above 350.degree. F. for a polyester
thermal bond film, such as Thermo-Bond.RTM. film 615 produced by 3M
Corporation. The softened hot melt adhesive can flow into the
assembly of plural sheets 306. For example, the hot melt adhesive
flows into at least a portion of the assembly of plural sheets 306
under an external pressure or by capillary action.
[0040] In an exemplary method, a separation distance between
opposing facing surfaces contacting the assembly of plural sheets
sets a thickness of the bound book-like structure. For example, the
separation distance (d) between opposing facing surfaces 322, 324
of the displaced clamping bodies 316, 318 can be approximately 20%
(for example, 20% .+-.10%) greater than the thickness (t) of the
assembly of plural sheets 306. After displacing the clamping jaw
320 and contacting the assembly of plural sheets 306, the
separation distance (d', where d'.ltoreq.d) sets a thickness (t',
where t'.ltoreq.t) of the bound book-like structure in a
cross-section taken along the spine.
[0041] The portion of the clamping jaw 320 that absorbs heat from
the hot melt adhesive is at least one of the clamping bodies 316,
318. However, any suitable portion of the clamping jaw 320 that
contacts the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302 or is in thermal
communication with the hot melt adhesive can be used to absorb the
heat, e.g., the platen 336, the clamping bodies 316, 318, and/or
combinations of portions thereof. For example, at least a portion
of one of the clamping bodies 316, 318 and/or any portion of the
clamping jaw 320 that absorbs heat from the hot melt adhesive can
be coupled with a heat sink 334. The heat sink 334 can be either
active, passive, or combination thereof. Examples of suitable
active heat sinks include a Peltier device, a device with internal
circulation of a cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson device.
[0042] An exemplary method of binding an assembly of plural sheets
to form a book-like structure can comprise contacting a platen 336
of a clamping jaw 320 to the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302
contacting the spine surface 304. The platen 336 has a contacting
surface 338 parallel to the spine surface 304. The portion of the
clamping jaw 320 that absorbs heat from the hot melt adhesive can
include the platen 336.
[0043] In an exemplary method, contacting the assembly of plural
sheets 306 with the opposing facing surface 322, 324 of at least
one of the clamping bodies 316, 318 and contacting a platen 336 of
the clamping jaw 320 to the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302 can
occur simultaneously. In embodiments where the platen 336 and the
opposing facing surfaces 322, 324 of the clamping bodies 316, 318
are coextensive with the spine surface 304 in a direction parallel
to the spine surface 304, a majority (for example, greater than
50%) and preferably the entire backed hot melt adhesive sheet 302
is simultaneously contacted by the clamping jaw 320. During
contacting, at least a neutral force and preferably at least a
force resulting from 5-10 psi pressure, is applied to the assembly
of plural sheets 306. This force can be applied during the entire
solidification or curing period, or during a portion thereof.
[0044] FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate, with respect to the exemplary
apparatus depicted and described in FIG. 2, an exemplary method of
binding an assembly of plural sheets to form a book-like structure.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the exemplary method 400 comprises contacting
a backed hot melt adhesive sheet 402 to a spine surface 404 of the
assembly of plural sheets 406. The backed hot melt adhesive sheet
402 has at least one end portion 408 protruding past the spine
surface 404 and forming an angle .alpha. with a plane surface 410
of at least one sheet 412 of the assembly of plural sheets 406.
[0045] The exemplary method 400 as shown in FIG. 4B includes
displacing (for example, translating in a first axis) a first
forming plate 414 and a second forming plate 416 relative to the
spine surface 404 of the assembly of plural sheets 406 to a first
position. In the first position, each of the first and second
forming plates 414, 416 has a contacting surface 418, 420 oriented
parallel to the spine surface 404 of the assembly of plural sheets
406. At least a portion of each of the first forming plate 414 and
the second forming plate 416 contacts the backed hot melt adhesive
sheet 402. In the exemplary method, translation can be in a manual
manner, by mechanical mechanisms or other types of devices used in
mechanical actuation, or a combination of such methods.
[0046] FIGS. 4C to 4D show the exemplary method 400 also includes
individually pivotably moving the first forming plate 414 and the
second forming plate 416 about the assembly of plural sheets 406
from the first position to a second position such that the
protruding end portion 408 of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet
402 is redirected toward the plane surface 410 of the at least one
sheet 412 of the assembly of plural sheets 406. The protruding end
portion 408 is between at least a portion of the contacting
surfaces 418, 420 and the assembly of plural sheets 406. In the
second position, the contacting surface 418 of the first forming
plate 414 and the contacting surface 420 of the second forming
plate 416 opposingly face each other and are each parallel to and
facing a planar surface of the assembly of plural sheets 406. In an
exemplary method, at least a portion of the contacting surface 418
of the first forming plate 414 and at least a portion of the
contacting surface 420 of the second forming plate 416 each remain
in contact with the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 402 during the
separable pivotable moving of the first forming plate 414 and the
second forming plate 416 about the assembly of plural sheets 406
from the first position to the second position.
[0047] The exemplary method 400 also includes applying a force to
the assembly of plural sheets 406 with the opposing facing
contacting surface 418, 420 of at least one of the first forming
plate 414 and the second forming plate 416.
[0048] The exemplary method 400 includes translating a platen 422
from a non-contacting position to a contacting position, as
depicted in FIG. 4D. In the non-contacting position, the platen 422
does not contact the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 402. In the
contacting position, the platen 422 contacts the backed hot melt
adhesive sheet 402. Also, in the contacting position the platen 422
can apply at least a neutral force, preferably at least a force
resulting from 5-10 psi pressure, to an assembly of plural sheets
406. In the exemplary method, translation can be in a manual
manner, by mechanical mechanisms or other types of devices used in
mechanical actuation, or a combination of such methods.
[0049] The exemplary method 400 includes absorbing heat from a hot
melt adhesive of the backed hot melt adhesive sheet 402 into at
least a portion of at least one of the platen 422, the first
forming plate 414, and the second forming plate 416. The portion
can be any suitable portion, such as a heat sink 424. Absorbing
heat includes actively removing heat from the hot melt adhesive
with the heat sink 424, such as a Peltier device, a device with
internal circulation of a cooling medium, or a Joule-Thomson
device. The cooling medium can include a liquid, a gas, or an
expanding gas. Absorbing heat solidifies or cures the hot melt
adhesive 422.
[0050] In an exemplary method, contacting the backed hot melt
adhesive 402 to a spine surface 404 can be by any suitable
technique. For example, the hot melt adhesive of the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet 402 can be softened prior to the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet 402 contacting the spine surface 404 of the
assembly of plural sheets 406. In another example, the backed hot
melt adhesive sheet is attached to the spine surface at discrete
points (for example, tacked, glued, adhesively or mechanically
attached and then softened). Softening includes raising a
temperature of the hot melt adhesive above a glass transition
temperature, preferably above a melting temperature or other
temperature to flow the hot melt adhesive. For example, a
temperature at or above 350.degree. F. can be used for a polyester
thermal bond film, such as Thermo-Bond.RTM. film 615 produced by 3M
Corporation. For example, the softened hot melt adhesive flows into
the assembly of plural sheets 406. For example, the hot melt
adhesive flows into at least a portion of the assembly of plural
sheets 406 under an external pressure or by capillary action.
[0051] As referenced herein, a "plural assembly of sheets" refers
to either a bound text body (for example, a stack of pages with
edges connected together with, for example an adhesive or a
mechanical connection) or an unbound text body (for example, a
stack of pages with the edges not connected). Further, a plural
assembly of sheets does not necessarily have to be bound prior to
being contacted with the backed hot melt adhesive sheet and the
same hot melt adhesive used in binding the assembly of plural
sheets can also be used to attach a cover. The apparatus described
herein can be implemented in a desktop or office bookmaking system
(for example, designed to satisfy on-demand bookbinding needs), in
a mass-production setting, or in any other system where the binding
of assemblies of plural sheets is desired.
[0052] Although preferred embodiments have been described, it will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions,
deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically
described may be made without department from the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *